The Farrell Review, a UK industry-wide review of architecture and the built environment, led by Sir Terry Farrell and commissioned by Culture Minister Ed Vaizey, was recently published. The findings have been compiled into a report with 60 recommendations with an emphasis on proactive rather than reactive planning system that needs to be revolutionise to include PLACE (Planning, Landscape, Architecture, Conservation and Engineering) reviews of existing places. The review also calls for urban rooms in towns and cities providing a forum for residents to understand and debate the past, present and future of the place.

The Farrell Review also calls for a reform in architectural training and for architecture and the built environment to be taught as early as possible in schools with alternative routes into architecture to be provide through apprenticeships. Other recommendations include an International Festival of Architecture to be held annually in London to champion the Britain’s considerable strength in architecture, and its success as an export industry.